Okay so we have defined what a virtual museum is and we have discussed the positive and negative aspects of using this type of technology in a classroom setting. Up until now a virtual museum has only been thought of a resource for pupils to explore and discover more on specific topics. To them it is a collection of information that has been created, organized and stored for their benefit. However, what if we are to look at a virtual museum being educational in a different way? What if pupils were to create their own virtual museum?
Teachers give the pupils a project topic, for example one school class looked at the City of Chicago's ethnic diversity. With this topic in mind the pupils research and gather information that will eventually be the force behind their own virtual museum. An excellent example of this can be found at Keith Valley Middle School http://www.hatboro-horsham.org/4067362111456/FileLib/browse.asp?A=374&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&C=51558
The students here developed two virtual museums from scratch. They were able to do this with the tools provided by their technology teachers. These tools can be found in the link below and are definitely worth a look. I fancy having a go at designing one myself.
http://www.hatboro-horsham.org/4067362111456/FileLib/browse.asp?A=374&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&C=51541
Not only is this an excellent way for the pupils to become intrigued and interested in curricular topics but they also develop new ways to use and apply technology in an educational setting.
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Good morning Ash,
ReplyDeleteI was quite impressed by the website showing the different works of Goya. As we've said it serves its purpose of exposing students to art that they would otherwise not be exposed to. The computer image just does not seem quite like the real thing. On the other hand, considering most students see art through a textbook, this is also a very good medium to use to show art.
ok....can we say advanced!!! Not only is the school website itself engaging but the links and materials on the site are aswell. This is an excellent example Ash. I'm sure the students learned alot about their particular topic and technology in the process. These kids and the site deserve an award! If I had children of my own, I would want them to attend a similar school because of the advanced technology and resources they provide for the students.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the feedback guys, you make some interesting points. In particular I agree that for art images the computer does not compare to the real experience but is arguably the next best thing and it is certainly better than textbooks. Lori, I too would want my children to go to a similar school. But would it be too much to expect this standard from other schools? This school is very advanced, like you say. They obviously have the staff and resources that many schools do not.
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